Caitlin Clark 19

Sue Bird Calls Caitlin Clark a Weird Nickname Never Seen Before—Is Her $11 Million Payday Proof She’s Right?

 

Caitlin Clark’s reported $11.1 million earnings in 2024 have made waves across women’s basketball, sparking conversations about the WNBA’s growth and the evolving opportunities for its athletes.

Among those weighing in on the Iowa superstar’s landmark year is WNBA legend Sue Bird, who sees Clark’s success as a pivotal moment for the league.

Sue Bird retired from professional basketball ahead of Caitlin Clark's...

Sue Bird reflects on Caitlin Clark breaking barriers

Bird acknowledged Clark’s extraordinary influence, attributing her financial success to a combination of talent and marketability.

“To me, it’s like for a league to hit it, for a league to be successful, for a league to have longevity, and now to see for a player in a league to be able to garner money off the court in this way, some of it is just because it’s Caitlin Clark,”Bird said.

The four-time WNBA champion emphasized how Clark’s partnerships with major brands, such as Nike, are creating a ripple effect.

“She’s a little bit of a catalyst because now that you’re seeing brands invest in her, they know that she’s going to be seen in the WNBA. And so, those brands are now also going to invest in the WNBA. It’s going to just break the door open for all this investment to come in, and that’s ultimately how the league will grow.”

Clark’s earnings thanks to sponsors, not WNBA salary

A significant portion of Clark’s earnings stemmed from sponsorships, with her rookie salary of $76,535 playing a minor role.

Despite ranking 10th on the list of highest-paid female athletes, Clark’s financial achievements are notable, considering her rookie status.

For context, tennis star Coco Gauff topped the list with $30 million, while Clark’s endorsement deals, including a $28 million contract with Nike, underscored her growing influence.

Clark’s decision to forego participating in the inaugural Unrivaled league also highlighted her focus on managing her time and opportunities.

While she expressed openness to joining in the future, financial considerations reportedly factored into her choice.

As Clark continues to break barriers, Bird’s remarks underline the broader potential for WNBA athletes to benefit from increased investment, ensuring a brighter future for women’s basketball.

Related Posts

Jesse Watters Causes Uproar with “Phony” Comments About Soccer Fans—What Did He Really Mean, and Why Are Fans Furious?

Fox News commentator Jesse Watters branded male soccer fans ‘phony’ in a bizarre rant that baffled many on social media. Watters appeared on The Five on Monday…

EXCLUSIVE: Sandra Smith’s Marriage and Career on the Brink—Can She Navigate the Pressure and Keep It All Together?

Sandra Smith, the celebrated Fox News host, has been a familiar face on television for years. Her charismatic presence on America’s Newsroom and The Five has garnered…

From a young reporter at FOX News to an icon of political journalism! How did Hillary Vaughn prove herself through each impressive step?

Hillary Vaughn: From Young Reporter to Political Journalism Icon at FOX News Hillary Vaughn, one of the prominent reporters at FOX News, has had an impressive journey…

Dana Perino’s $85 Million Net Worth REVEALED—But Her Lavish Spending Habits and Shocking Scam Allegations Are Stirring Major Controversy

Dana Perino, former White House Press Secretary and current Fox News anchor, has amassed an incredible fortune throughout her career, which has made headlines recently due to…

Breaking News: Whoopi Goldberg, Megan Rapinoe, and Taylor Swift Announce They Are Leaving the U.S. – Fans Left Stunned and Confused!

Three of America’s most influential women—Whoopi Goldberg, Megan Rapinoe, and Taylor Swift—have sparked a nationwide conversation about possibly leaving the U.S. in search of more progressive and…

Rachel Maddow’s Public Criticism of MSNBC Executives Backfires—Ratings Dive as She Blames Network Leadership for Viewership Decline

Rachel Maddow’s Criticism of MSNBC Bosses Backfires Spectacularly as Her Ratings Take a Major Hit Rachel Maddow, the prominent host of MSNBC’s flagship evening news program, has…